During a visit to Egypt, Mark Green, Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced the launch of three Centers of Excellence. The initiative, supported by a $90 million investment from the American people, seeks to establish enduring partnerships between Egyptian public universities and leading U.S. universities. The goal is to promote high-quality applied research and strengthen connections among educational institutions, the private sector, and policymakers.
The Centers will concentrate on agriculture, energy, and water sectors. They aim to share best practices, conduct collaborative research, and serve as hubs for networks of experts in these fields. Cornell University in New York is partnering with Cairo University to create a Center of Excellence in Agriculture. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is collaborating with Ain Shams University on a Center of Excellence in Energy. Meanwhile, the American University in Cairo is working with Alexandria University on a Center of Excellence in Water. Additional U.S. and Egyptian universities are involved in this initiative, expanding the network of participating institutions and experts.
At an event held at Ain Shams University to mark the launch, Administrator Green emphasized the significance of this U.S. investment for Egypt's future. He stated: “These Centers of Excellence will not only help facilitate solutions to some of Egypt’s most pressing agriculture, energy, and water challenges but also position the country to be a regional and global leader in the knowledge economy.” He added that ideas generated through collaboration at these centers could lead to significant technological advancements that might drive new industries and prosperity across Egypt.
Since 1978, USAID has invested $30 billion toward advancing human and economic development in Egypt.
For more information about USAID’s work in Egypt, visit https://www.usaid.gov/egypt or follow them on Facebook @USAIDEgypt.